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The Stapelia plant is a difficult one to forget. Either for its large and particular flower, which fans of Stranger things You will recognize at first glance, how by the fetid aroma that it gives off, the Stapelia leaves an impression that, although impressive, is not for all audiences.
Perhaps it is precisely because of that eccentric touch that many choose to include it in their collections or gardens, and it is that it is a unique plant. If you want to learn more about what type of plant is Stapelia, join us in this Green Ecologist article where you will find one Stapelia care guide.
Characteristics of the Stapelia
Let's start by getting to know the main characteristics of the Stapelia plant a little better:
- It is known as lizard flower, dragon flower, stapelia, starfish plant and even, among the circles most addicted to series, demogorgon plant.
- It is a whole genus of plants of the Apocynaceae family, with around 50 species, all of them succulent plants and originating in South Africa.
- Among the different types of Stapelia we find some of the best known, such as the Stapelia Variegata, the Stapelia Gigantea, the Stapelia Flavopurpurea and the Stapelia Grandiflora, the most common in gardening.
- They are slow-growing plants, well known for their showy flowers, which can reach diameters of up to 40 cm in larger species. The stapelia flower It stands out not only for its striking appearance but, as we have mentioned, for the foul scent that we will recognize if we get close to smelling it. This responds to the need to attract its pollinators, which are none other than blue flies. There is a variety, however, the Stapelia Flavopurpurea, whose smell is not unpleasant, reminiscent of beeswax.
- These flowers are very hairy and glossy in texture, with colors and patterns that vary greatly depending on the species.
- Y when the Stapelia blooms? The showy and fragrant flowers appear between summer and autumn, so in the cold months it is possible to move the plant indoors without danger of perfuming the home with an unpleasant odor.
- Its succulent stems have serrated margins, with four well-marked sides, and which grow in the shape of claws, without apparent order or concert on many occasions. They are largely part of its exotic appeal.
Location and climate for La Stapelia
Like many succulent plants, Stapelia is not particularly fussy about its care. They are adapted to temperatures between warm and temperate and dry climates, with an optimum temperature of about 25 ºC in spring and summer, though from 20 ºC the plant is already well.
In cold months, we should never expose it below 10 ºC, as lower temperatures do considerable damage and could even kill it. Taking this into account, of course, that it survives the frosts is totally ruled out.
Regarding light, the plant needs an exposure of at least semi-shadow, although in environments without a very strong sun you will appreciate a direct exposure. If you see that the stems of your Stapelia turn reddish or purple, it means that the plant is stressed by receiving too intense sun, and you will need to put it a little more under cover.
Irrigation of the Stapelia
Despite being a crass, the Stapelia is not a cactus, and needs more abundant watering than these. Of course, when it comes to knowing how to care for StapeliaIt is vital to bear in mind that, like most plants of its characteristics, it does not tolerate waterlogging at all. Water it frequently but with little quantity, ensuring that the substrate never dries up completely, but always taking care to avoid waterlogging the soil or the pot. If this happens, the roots of your Stapelia will most likely be affected by rot. At this point, it is always preferable to fall short than to overdo it. If you see that the stems of your plant begin to wrinkle and lose volume, slightly increase the irrigation doses until they return to their normal appearance.
Here you can learn more about when to water the plants.
Substrate for the Stapelia plant
Here the plant is not demanding at all, being one of the main reasons why it is so easy to grow. The only important thing that you have to maintain is that the substrate or soil offers a drain the best possible, to avoid accumulations of water that would damage the plant.
Any sandy and light mixture, to which you can add vermiculite and perlite to improve its properties. You can also place a bed of thick pebbles at the base of the pot, precisely to prevent the roots from being in direct contact with unwanted moisture accumulations in the dish.
We recommend you read this other post about How to make substrate for cacti and succulents.
Vegetative period
This is one of those plants that appreciate spending a few winter months at lower temperature to enter winter resting state. When winter arrives, place it in an area around 15 ºC and reduce the frequency of watering significantly so that the plant comes to rest, so that when spring arrives it will reactivate with more energy.
If you want to read more articles similar to Stapelia: care, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
